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Donora retirees claim they’re not getting their due under Mon Valley career and tech center contract

2 min read
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Gerald and Sylvia Wojciechowski of Donora worked at Mon Valley Career and Technology Center in Speers, but when he accepted an early retirement incentive, he was under the impression that their health insurance costs would, for a time, continue to be covered.

According to a complaint the Wojciechowskis filed last week with Washington County Court, they have instead been required to pay $5,000 out of pocket for health insurance.

Gerald Wojciechowski taught industrial arts for nearly 35 years, retiring two years ago.

His wife worked as a secretary at the school for four years, retiring last year.

The Mon Valley Career and Technology Center Education Association, which has a regional office in Hunker, Westmoreland County, represents professional employees at the school under a contract that runs through the end of 2021.

Wojciechowski accepted more than $28,000 worth of unused sick days, which he maintains were to be applied to the union’s health insurance until he became eligible for Medicare.

When the Wojciechowskis learned they would have to pay for health insurance, the husband went to the school to protest, and he “was advised to vacate the administration offices,” the complaint said.

They sued both the school and the union, claiming the collective bargaining agreement has been violated, but that the union has refused to handle the matter through the grievance procedure.

The couple wants the court to either order the center to use funds “on its books” to pay for their health insurance or require that the account be closed and the remaining balance be paid to them.

They also requested a monthly accounting of the money and demanded reimbursement for their out-of-pocket expenses to continue participation in the center’s health insurance plan, plus legal fees and costs.

A court date was not immediately set.

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